Headhunters

By: Jo Nesbø, Don Bartlett

Narrated by: Steve West

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Cockroaches comes a funny, dark, and twisted caper worthy of Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers—about an aspiring art thief and the target who’s about to destroy his life.

“If you don’t know Nesbø, it’s time to get with it.” —USA Today

Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he’s a master of his profession. But one career simply can’t support his luxurious lifestyle and his wife’s fledgling art gallery. At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes: Greve just so happens to mention that he owns a priceless Peter Paul Rubens painting that’s been lost since World War II—and Roger Brown just so happens to dabble in art theft. But when he breaks into Greve’s apartment, he finds more than just the painting. And Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that’s ever happened to Roger Brown.

Don't miss Jo Nesbo's new thriller, Killing Moon, coming soon!

©2011 Jo Nesbo (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“If you don’t know Nesbø, it’s time to get with it.” (USA Today)

“Like [Stieg] Larsson, Nesbø explores the darkest criminal minds with grim delight and puts his killers where you least expect to find them. . . . [and] his novels are maddeningly addictive.” (Vanity Fair)

“Chances are you’ll be hooked ... as Nesbø lays down a trail rich in Nordic atmosphere and in character-driven development ... Ultimately, though, what sets Nesbø apart is his ability to keep the pages turning with such intellectual dexterity.” (Newsday)

Brit who read books need to research pronunciation

It's fair to say that I've become addicted to Jo Nesbø's books. His thrillers are intense (and often quite funny as well). Headhunters is a peculiar book in that the main character, Roger Brown, is so unlikeable at first that it's hard to imagine that Nesbø could carry off hanging an entire story on these disreputable shoulders. He does it, though, and the story takes off with style and intrigue.
My real quibble is that audio book companies keep hiring Brits to read these novels -- many of whom have NO IDEA how to pronounce the Norwegian names. The character Kjikerud, for example, is not pronounced "Shee-rood," no matter what Mr. West might think.
DRIVES. ME. NUTS.
However, if you can move beyond that, West gives some great vocal performances.

more humor than a usual Jo Nesbo

I enjoy Jo Nesbo, and have listened to most of the Harry Hole series. Did particularly enjoy the humor in Headhunters--there were times when I was smirking, and exclaiming outloud on the bus as I listened. Held my interest all they way through. Have heard that some take exception to some assertions....physics, and prime numbers etc.....maybe, but that doesn't take away from a really enjoyable listen...

Entertaining

When you’re unsure of what to read next and all the usual options have no appeal, it might be time for Nesbo. A pretty good story with excellent narration.

Very tight plot. I loved it.

If you could sum up Headhunters in three words, what would they be?

Staywith it.

Any additional comments?

I almost gave up on this book several times. The lead character is not a likeable guy and he is presented by the narrator as being arrogant and condescending. Turns out that these are both necessary for the plot. Don't give up on it and you will be pleased.

Gripping and interesting.

Where does Headhunters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 10.

What other book might you compare Headhunters to and why?

Without Remorse by Tom Clancy. A man with particular skills against an ugly force. Mistakes and triumphs. Resolution and suffering. Shaped by their experiences but at their core they remain the same person.

Which scene was your favorite?

Graver's talk about his military experiences. You can feel the aggression and mysteriousness. It is a treat to see Brown attempt to regain his footing after trying to apply mechanical tactics to a monster like Graver. The conversation was like watching a boxer attempt defend against combination after combination. All the while illustrating Graver's personality and capabilities. It also humanizes Roger a bit because up until this point, minus a few admitted weaknesses, he is basically a god to us.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. Absolutely. Excellent pacing. I just wanted to know what was happening next. Needed to know.

Any additional comments?

I saw the movie first. Years ago. So it ruined a few of the surprises for me me but this was still QUITE enjoyable.

An unexpected pleasure.

I was a slow starter but once it started I was hooked. Jo Nesbo has a great imagination.

Too clever by half!

A delightful romp as a man that considers himself an indrusty titan get outmanned and outclevered; enjoy reading how he recaptures his manhood in this artfully woven yarn that firmly established me as a lifelong fan of the author. Note to sensitive readers: contains detailed sexual scenarios and "pulls no punches" regarding violent and nausea- inducing descriptions (that info alone should attract interest in the type of reader that will enjoy the wonderful experience of reading this novel).

Headhunter Extraordinaire

A stand-alone Jo Nesbo thriller. Nothing can match Nesbo's Harry Hole series but this was an intense journey through the life and work of Roger Brown, an esteemed headhunter.

Surprisingly interesting

I’ve read a lot of Nesbo’s books. Harry Hole is his own thing, so I was wondering how good this stand alone character would be. I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is good and the story full of twists and turns. There are some incredibly difficult scenes that, unfortunately, were so well written that I thought I was there. I wish it wasn’t so realistic! (When you read it you’ll know. ) I recommend the book whether you read Nesbo or not. It’s a good read/listen.

Steve West is a gem

Best part of this book was Steve West. His voice hooked me and kept me until the end. The overall story was a bit of a reach but it was well written and like I said- Steve West.